What does this cover?
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 provides the public with a right to request official information from public authorities.  The Act also requires that public authorities have a publication scheme which lists the information that it routinely publishes and therefore is available without the need for a formal freedom of information request.  The Freedom of Information Act also outlines the procedures that public authorities must follow to manage freedom of information.

What is official information?
The Act applies to all information created and held by public authorities. However, the Act does outline a number of exemptions which recognise that there are valid reasons for not releasing information.  For this reason you may not always receive all of the information that you request.  

Information about the exemptions can be found at the information commissioner’s website

Personal information of living individuals is not covered by the Freedom of Information Act as this is addressed under Data Protection.

How do I apply?
Freedom of information applications must be in writing and provide an address for correspondence.  It is acceptable to email your request and providing that all of the information can be provided electronically (and you are happy to receive it in that form) an email address is the only contact that you need to provide.

We have provided a form (which you can download from this page) to help you complete your application.  It is helpful if you describe the information that you want as fully as possible as if we need to clarify your request it may delay processing of your application. 

If you have a preference for how you would like to receive your information (for example by email) you should note that in your application as well.

Email:  foi@londondeanery.ac.uk

Publication scheme
Please see our publication scheme for a list of the information that is routinely available, generally via our website. Information that is already published is exempt from release.   It is therefore in your interests to review the publication scheme before applying.  It may be that the information you want is already available on the website.

How long does it take?
We are obliged to provide you with the information that you have requested within 20 working days.  If we need to clarify your request the ‘clock’ will stop until we have received necessary clarification from you.

What does it cost?
In general it is the Deanery’s policy to provide information for free.  If, however, we estimate that to research, locate and retrieve the information that you have requested would go over the ‘appropriate limit’ then, we will, in general, decline your request.  If this happens with your request we will advise you whether or not we hold the information and also help you to revise your request so that it is under the appropriate limit.   The appropriate limit is £450 calculated as 18 hours work by a staff member charged at £25 per hour. (As outlined in the Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations 2004.)

Costs of photocopying or production
Ordinarily we will not charge for the costs of photocopying or producing the information in another physical format.  We do reserve the right recoup costs for very large requests with large amounts of photocopying.  We would advise you of this before any costs were incurred. 

Who can apply?
Anyone can apply regardless of who they are or where they are in the world.

Complaints
If you are unhappy with how your freedom of information request has been handled or have some other issue relating to your access to the Deanery’s official information please refer to our complaints process